For Immediate Release
Abuja
20.08.25
CLEEN Foundation Calls for Public Vigilance and Comprehensive Investigation Following the Keffi Custodial Centre Breach.
CLEEN Foundation expresses grave concern over the recent breach at the Keffi Custodial Centre, resulting in the escape of multiple inmates which led to the escape of sixteen (16) inmates in the early hours of August 12, 2025. This incident highlights persisting systemic weaknesses within Correctional system and raises significant security concerns for citizens. A nation is measured by how it treats inmates and Nigeria is not doing well on the index from infrastructure, personnel to logistics. It is critical that these facilities improve their security protocols to prevent such breaches in the future. Additionally, attention must be paid to the living conditions and rehabilitation programs to ensure that inmates are appropriately managed.
The World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index and the Prison Life Index consistently places Nigeria low, with a ranking of 120 out of 142 countries in 2024. It went further to indicate that Nigeria’s custodial facilities are overcrowded, underfunded, and lack adequate resources for rehabilitation. These are already frightening threats to the facilities. However, the immediate priority is the safety of the public. CLEEN Foundation therefore advises communities around Keffi, Nasarawa State, and neighboring areas to exercise vigilance and promptly report suspicious movements to law enforcement authorities. Escaped inmates on the run pose heightened risks of criminal activities and social unrest if urgent steps are not taken. The escaped individuals may seek refuge in communities, and therefore, maintaining awareness of unfamiliar persons is crucial.
The Foundation therefore calls on the Federal Government and the Ministry of Interior as well as the leadership of Nigerian Correctional Service to take the decisive actions:
- A Transparent and Public Investigation: CLEEN Foundation calls on authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the systemic failings that led to this breach. Understanding the root causes is essential for instituting effective preventive measures. This should involve an assessment of facility management, personnel, and ailing infrastructure.
- Urgent Investment in Security Infrastructure: The Federal Government must immediately prioritise and release funds for the upgrade of security systems across all custodial centres in Nigeria. This includes the installation of modern surveillance technology, enhanced perimeter fencing, and regular security audits.
- Welfare and Capacity Building for Officers: The incident, which left officers injured, highlights the immense risks correctional personnel face. We call for improved welfare packages, better insurance cover, and enhanced tactical training for officers to better manage and de-escalate volatile situations.
- Addressing Overcrowding: The government must accelerate initiatives to decongest correctional facilities, including the swift passage of justice sector reforms, efficient administration of justice, and promoting non-custodial alternatives as provided for in the Correctional Service Act, 2019.
CLEEN Foundation stands in solidarity with the Nigerian Correctional Service and its officers, particularly those directly affected by this unfortunate incident. We urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that could lead to the recapture of the remaining fugitives. Citizens can report suspicious activities anonymously through CLEEN Foundation’s National Security Incident Reporting Portal via our website or social media channels.
We remain committed to working with the Nigerian Correctional Service and other stakeholders to strengthen the criminal justice system and ensure the security of both correctional facilities and the Nigerian public.
Signed:
Peter Maduoma
Acting Executive Director